Carers Page

Carer [noun] /’keərə(r)

1. Cares (unpaid) for family or friends who have a disability, illness or who need support in later life:

Washing bodies. And laundry. And dishes.Keeping appointments. And records. And tempers.Giving medicine. And time. And hugs.Filling forms. And fridges. And silences.Dealing with doctors. And nurses. And pharmacists. And social workers.And benefits agencies. And care workers. And a lack of sleep.

2. Needs support to manage a life of their own.

Have you seen the Carers Checklist. It sets out practical steps to help you feel supported as a carer and recognised as an individual with needs of your own.

Did you see our 2016/17 Carers Survey Report. We sent paper copies of our carers survey to everyone we had recorded on our system as a carer - 179 in total. If you didn't receive one then we probably don't know you are a carer. Please speak to Reception the next time you are at the surgery.

IMPORTANT:If you haven’t already let us know that you are a carer, please mention it to a member of staff so that we can make a note on your medical records.

With your permission we can also refer you to your local carers service for information, advice and support.

If you or the person you care for is urgently in need of support please let a member of staff know without delay.

Are you a Carer?

Often people in a caring role do not recognise themselves as carers particularly if they are looking after somebody close to them such as a relative, partner or friend. But if you provide unpaid help to someone because they have a physical or learning disability, a mental health problem, substance misuse issues or because they are old and frail or ill, then you are a CARER.

Caring for someone is an important and invaluable role which may involve long hours and may be physically and mentally demanding. There are many services available to help you no matter what your age or circumstances.

Just tell one of our receptionists, or your doctor or nurse, that you are a carer and ask for a Carer’s Information Pack produced by The Carers Centre. With your permission we will add your name to our Carer’s Register which will help alert our practice staff to your role. A Carer’s Registration and Consent Form is available from Reception and on our website.

As an unpaid carer you are entitled to a free flu vaccination (available September-March each year). Just ask at Reception.

As well as offering you support ourselves we can refer you to The Carers Centre for additional support and information on a range of issues including carers benefits, emotional support and other local services.

For information about activities and groups for carers in Brighton and Hove click here. Groups and opportunities underlined are organised by The Carers Centre. For details on these email: info@thecarerscentre.org or tel: 01273 746222.

As a carer you are entitled to a Carer’s Needs Assessment from Social Health & Services. ACCESS Point can assess your needs and those of the person you care for and arrange appropriate support. You can also register for the Emergency Backup Scheme for Carers. In an emergency the scheme provides alternative home-based care for up to 48 hours. ACCESS Point can be contacted on 01273 29555.

The Carers Centre provides information and support for adult as well as young carers, aged 8-25, through its Young Carers Project.

"One Number, One Website, One Place for Carers!"

CarersHubis a new partnership of three local charities and local authority assessment staff, who have joined together to create a focal point for unpaid carers, to get information and support they need.

CarersHub is a brand new phone line (01273 977 000) and dedicated website (www.carershub.co.uk) for unpaid carers in Brighton and Hove.